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MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16 debuts in UK
Mar 3rd
Movie Edit Pro 16, from the innovative German digital media software company MAGIX, is finding increasing favour among serious video-making enthusiasts as well as with complete newbies.
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16
MAGIX has at last announced the UK availability of the next generation of its successful and innovative video editing tool, Movie Edit Pro.
Available in two versions – a Classic version for beginners as well as a Plus for more ambitious users – Movie Edit Pro 16 could be the ideal solution for multi-format video editing, sound mixing and multiple-output format sharing.
We’re assured by MAGIX that the new application is designed to give the user effortless video capture, straightforward editing, “spectacular” 3D effects, a large selection of titles and fades and “brilliant” soundtrack building and mixing.
As today’s camcorder users have now come to expect, edited results can be burned to an interactive CD/DVD or exported to the web (eg: YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, etc) or to a mobile media player, such as an iPhone.
With high definition formats like AVCHD now dominating consumer camcorder formats, it’s essential that video editing products provide full support, and to that end MAGIX claims that it’s even easier to import and edit the whole range of commonly-used video formats in addition to applying any number of impressive visual special effects as well as background music and animated DVD and even Blu-ray Disc (BD) menus.
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16 – great for video editing newbies?
Here’s a summary of MAGIX Movie Edit 16′s main features:
- Upload videos to YouTube directly in HD quality.
- Free selection of audio track in multi-audio VOBs on DVDs.
- Flexible track number selection.
- Title editor with improved quality and direct previewing.
- Improved audio monitoring option in the timeline.
- Screenshot function.
- Object zoom function for even more precise effects control.
- Countless improvements in details.
Also included with the above is a copy of the brand-new MAGIX PC Check & Tuning 2010 – claimed by the company to provide the unique complete solution for intelligent checking maintenance and acceleration for PCs and laptops – something that’s pretty essential when editing complex video projects. The software is included free, even though is has a typical retail value of £29.99.
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16 Plus – taking on the big guys
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16 Plus, claimed by MAGIX to be the best version to date, promises an unlimited selection of high quality editing tools, powerful dubbing instruments and countless special effects. The package offers more ambitious video-makers 99 tracks, full HD support, one-of-a-kind travel route animation, innovative MultiCam editing, expanded menu design, countless special effects ready for the big screen, 5.1 Dolby Digital sound and more.
Movie Edit Pro 16 Plus Features:
- Secondary colour correction for impressive colour effects.
- Blu-ray and AVCHD discs with animated menis.
- Completely revised DVD menu design.
- Title editor with improved quality and direct previewing.
- Object zoom function for even more precise effects control.
- Unique travel route animation.
- Upload videos to YouTube directly in HD quality.
- Flexible track number selection.
- Level display for audio file import.
- Upload videos to the new Vimeo video portal.
- Generation of colour fields/test images.
- PC performance benchmarking for optimized presets.
- Music Editor 3.0 with optimized user guidance.
- Free selection of audio tracks in multi-audio VOBs.
- BONUS! proDAD Adorage starter package (with 155 effects).
- Countless improvements in details.
It’s good to see European software developers facing up to the big names in a field that’s dominated by American brands, so we’re pleased to see MAGIX increasing its foothold in what is undoubtedly a tricky market.
UK Price and Availability
Both products – MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 16 and Movie Edit Pro 16 Plus – are available now for SRP ￡49.99 and ￡69.99 inc VAT from Amazon and PC World.
Sanyo debuts “smallest, thinnest” HD camera
Mar 2nd
It caused a bit of a stir when first revealed at CES last month and now Sanyo has confirmed its launch plans for what it describes as the smallest, thinnest and lightest full HD camera ever – its Xacti VPC-CS1 Dual Camera.
The tiny Dual Camera shoots both full 1080i HD footage and 8 megapixel still shots, despite having a body thickness of a mere one inch (2.7cm). Available in two colours, metallic silver and magenta, both models will be available throughout the UK from Friday, March 5, with a street price in the region of £249.
Available in 2 colours - the world's smallest, thinnest full-HD camera
Dominic Jones, Marketing Manager for Sanyo UK is confident that the new models will meet the needs of a growing sector of the camcorder market: “The Xacti VPC-CS1 combines Sanyo’s unique technological capabilities with a level of style, simplicity and elegance never before seen in the pocket camera marketplace. We believe this is a watershed product that will prove popular across a broad range of audiences, from teens to grandparents.”
Capture everything wherever you are
The company has given the CS1 a redesigned pistol grip chassis that not only makes it the smallest and most slender full HD camera available but, combined with its 285-degree tilting screen designed to capture any angle, makes it fun and simple to use. We’re reminded that the concept of pocket camcorders is that you should be able to carry your camera with you everywhere, ready to capture the moment wherever you are.
The camera has a 10x Advanced Zoom lens, which Sanyo describes as being “perfect” for snapping the action from a distance and automatic adjustments are made to ensure the best possible image quality whether shooting on a beach or a nightclub. The adjustable, fold out 2.7inch TFT LCD screen is designed to display the action clearly at all times from any angle and in a variety of light conditions. The camera features a mini HDMI port which enables direct connection to a HDTV for full HD playback.
Perfect for Facebook, YouTube and MySpace
Sharing footage taken with the Xacti CS1 is as easy as shooting it and the camera is compatible with Eye-Fi SD cards to allow wireless transfer to the web. Footage is shot in the YouTube-compatible MPEG4 format and can be uploaded easily to any of the major social networks or blogging platforms.
The Sanyo Xacti is available in the UK from 5th March 2010.
Words by Colin Barrett, SimplyDV, from information kindly supplied by Sanyo UK. Picture supplied by Sanyo UK and used by permission.
New: Corel VideoStudio Pro X3
Jan 26th
Corel Corporation has announced the latest in a long and established line of consumer video editing software. VideoStudio Pro X3 promises a streamlined interface and new features.
Corel’s new VideoStudio Pro X3 video editing software promises to combine video editing, media authoring, real-time effects and DVD and Blu-ray burning in addition to a newer, simplified and streamlined display workspace.
What’s more, it’s claimed by Corel to perform many common tasks more than twice as fast as the previous version with optimization for new, high-powered chipsets including the Intel Core i7.
The software also offers multi-core and GPU parallel processing with support for new technology including NVIDIA CUDA as a means of enhancing performance and end-to-end production workflow.
Product highlights
According to Corel, the highlights of VideoStudio Pro X3 are numerous, and include the following:
- Enhanced Support for Multi-core processors: Users can now experience a significant suite-wide performance boost as Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 takes advantage of new multi-core processors including the Intel Core i7.
- General Purpose GPU Acceleration: New GPU acceleration adds speed improvements across the application, delivering new Corel FX effects, 3D transitions, Trim and Multi-trim in real time. Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 dramatically accelerates render times for video editing, transcoding and effects.
- Enhanced Smart Proxy editing: Now leveraging both GPU and CPU acceleration, HD content can be edited as easily and smoothly as standard definition — even on midrange PCs.
- Attribute and media copying: Now, modifications made to one video clip, photo, title, transition or effect can be copied to another, reducing the time it takes to create a custom, uniform look and feel in movie project elements. Users can also copy media in the Project Timeline and intuitively paste it to a new spot.
- Online sharing: In a couple of clicks, video productions can be uploaded to Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo and YouTube.
- Stunning new visual effects: Unique visual effects make it possible to turn a video segment or image into a simulated drawing, giving a realistic animated appearance to photo or videos. Users can also choose new multi-track overlay effects and enhanced title effects using new multi-layered graphics compositing tools.
- Great Audio and Custom Soundtracks: The new Mood Mapping music generator from SmartSound gives video editors the ability to experiment and control individual instruments in the available music tracks, creating a unique sound for their production. Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 also now includes two additional audio tracks.
- Exceptional Content and Third-party Tools: In addition to the enhancements made throughout the application, Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 offers valuable content and features from third-parties such as NewBlue FX Filters including Detail Enhancer, Active Camera and Picture-in-Picture Animator, high-quality project templates from RevoStock, and Quicktracks from SmartSound.
Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 on PC display
UK Pricing and Availability
Corel VideoStudio Pro X3, which includes Corel DVD Factory Pro, is now available at a suggested retail price (SRP) of just £79 for the full version or £59 for the upgrade.
The product can be purchased as an electronic software download (ESD), with boxed software shipping throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa in February. Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 will be available globally in English, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Chinese Traditional and Japanese. All prices include VAT.
For more information, see: http://www.corel.com/videostudio.
Source: Corel Corporation press release. Images courtesy Corel Corporation.
Sony Bloggie: Mobile HD in a Snap
Jan 7th
The market for these compact and easy-to-use Mobile Snap camcorders was pioneered by the revolutionary Flip camera and caught other brands on the hop somewhat. However, despite their subsequently rushing out with comparable products it’s still an uncertain market – which perhaps explains why neither Panasonic nor Canon have bothered with it at all. So, will Sony’s latest multi-coloured “bloggie” range fare any better?
Mobile HD in a Snap: record yourself on the move with the Sony MHS-PM5 "bloggie"
Sony reckons it’s all about capturing the moment: “It’s the spirit of fun, spontaneous still and video shooting and sharing that comes alive with the launch of bloggie – a fresh concept in style-conscious, premium quality Mobile HD Snap Cameras by Sony”. That’s their words, by the way.
In February the bloggie makes its European debut with two new models, both of which are designed to make it very easy to grab photos and video clips for quick, hassle-free sharing on the web.
Like the Flip models whose success they are undoubtedly attempting to emulate, they’ll slip effortlessly into a pocket or bag and be right there when you need to capture that all-important moment when out with the family or up to no good with one’s mates on a Friday night.
Full HD MPEG4 video with the MHS-PM5/PM5K and MHS-CM5
Colourful, light and easy to carry, bloggie (as Sony affectionately calls the devices) is clearly a spontaneous way to share memories, update a personal blog with a bit of HD video or post to social networking apps while travelling. Just point and shoot: then walk into any internet café, hook up bloggie and upload your life using the camera’s embedded PMB Portable software.
Sony MHS-PM5 Bloggie HD Camcorder (Blue) Main panel
Both models are obviously designed with simplicity in mind; the MHS-PM5/PM5K and MHS-CM5 produce images of an effective resolution of 5MP (megapixels) in 1280×720/60p HD video resolution as well as offering Full HD 1920×1080/30p high definition. Note that this isn’t AVCHD; the video clips produced are primarily aimed at users who wish to upload their clips to online content sharing sites like YouTube, MySpace or Facebook so the fact that recordings are consistent with USA standards rather than European ones shouldn’t really matter too much.
However, with YouTube now facilitating 1920 x 1080p uploading, the Full HD option will attract a fair share of takers.
On-board SteadyShot image stabilisation cuts camera shake when you’re shooting handheld, and Face Detection will help to correctly resolve people’s facial characteristics – but note that these features are available only when shooting in the optional 720/30p shooting mode.
Styled in a choice of four colour finishes, the MHS-PM5/PM5K features a rotating lens that swivels 270 degrees to capture life from any angle: get down low, aim high or turn it around to record yourself.
The bright, high resolution 6.0cm LCD screen (pictured left) shows camera settings in the bottom half of the display while you’re shooting. When you want to see the results, turn bloggie horizontally and play back your clips and photos in landscape format.
The MHS-PM5K also includes a special 360-degree Video lens adaptor that lets you generate panoramic videos. To achieve this, users should slip on the adaptor and start shooting in 360 Video mode. According to Sony, bloggie captures panoramic video as specially encoded files that can be ‘unwrapped’ for PC viewing using supplied PMB software and the 360 Video Player application.
Sony MHS-CM5 Bloggie showing built-in flip-away USB connector
Featuring a pistol grip vertical styling that many people will be familar with, the MHS-CM5 boasts a high-quality 5x optical zoom lens, plus a swivel 6.2cm LCD screen that flips out for comfortable shooting and viewing.
Connectivity
After shooting, both cameras can be linked directly to a Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 PC or Apple Intel Mac using the built-in USB connector that tucks away into the camera’s body when not in use.
The embedded PMB Portable software launches automatically when bloggie is connected to the PC or Mac, allowing users to immediately view, select and upload clips to popular social apps and media sharing sites like Picasa and YouTube.
There’s no need to install any editing or file transfer software on the computer, making bloggie ideal for use in any internet café while travelling. Even an external charger isn’t necessary since the camera’s battery is automatically charged while it’s connected to a computer its USB plug.
The MHS-CM5 also sports an HDMI connector, enabling photos and Full HD clips to be viewed either on a Sony BRAVIA or other HD TV.
Upcoming Facebook content sharing update
The simple integration for sharing content on Facebook will also be available as a downloadable update to this software from April 2010 onwards. This complements the existing sharing capability with such sites as YouTube and Picasa Web Albums. With the new version, users will have the ability to share photos and videos on Facebook directly from PMB Portable software.
Availability
The bloggie MHS-PM5, MHS-PM5K and MHS-CM5 Mobile HD Snap Cameras are available from Feburary 2010.
Sony reveals new HD and SD Handycams
Jan 7th
For the 2010 digital video-making season Sony has announced a choice of ten compact new Handycam models that shoot on memory card and internal flash memory – but HDD (hard disc drive) still figures strong with the company’s announcement of five feature-packed HDD models as well.
Sony's new HDR-CX350 AVCHD Handycam
Interestingly, the Sony announcement covers everything from a serious professional-quality AVCHD camcorder (the HDR-AX2000) to a new range of easy-to-use and fun Bloggie cameras designed for bloggers and YouTube users.
What’s surprising is that Sony is introducing even more HDD camcorders at a time when the other three major brands – Panasonic, Canon and JVC have all but dropped the format in favour of flash memory recording in the form of either built-in memory or memory card slots.
What’s even more surprising is Sony’s seismic shift away from its proprietary Memory Stick in favour of SDHC and MicroSD memory cards on several of its new products this year. Is this the beginning of the end for Memory Stick as we’ve been predicting for quicte some time?
Sony summarises its new product offer as “optical innovation meets fun, easy-to-use features”.
Premium HD Flash Memory and HDD models
A range of new AVCHD models offer full-specification AVCHD recording and playback. The HDR-CX550V, HDR-XR550V, HDR-CX350V, HDR-XR350V and HDR-CX305 all feature a high quality Sony G Lens, which captures approximately double the shooting area compared with previous Handycam camcorders. Wide angle performance of the HDR-CX550V and HDR-XR550V models is 29.8mm for video and 26.3mm for still images (35mm equivalent) in an even smaller body than their predecessors.
Leading the pack: HDR-XR550 and HDR-CX550 HD cams
The flagship HDR-XR550 and HDR-CX550 models lead the new range with 6.3mm (1/2.9in) Exmor R CMOS image sensors producing a respectable 6.3MP (megapixels) for movie recording and 12MP for digital stills. 10x Optical Zoom is provided, as is Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation.
They also share 5.1ch Surround Sound, 8.8cm colour LCD as well as a colour EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), Face detection, Direct Copy, Accessory Shoe, Microphone Input and Headphone Out together with the full range of connectors such as USB, HDMI, and so on. Where the models differ is in their recording media; the HDR-XR550 uses a stonking 240GB HDD (hard disc drive) whereas the HDR-CX550 employs 64GB internal Flash Memory. Both cameras support the Memory Stick Pro-DUO and Pro-HG Duo variants and SD/SDHC Memory Cards.
Sony HDR-CX305 AVCHD Handycam
The HDR-CX305 has the same CMOS sensor, only smaller at 4.5mm (1/4 type). Movie resolution is 4.2MP with stills at 7.1MP. A 12x Optical Zoom lens is provided with the recording medium being 16GB Internal Memory (in addition to the same card options, above). A 6.7cm LCD panel is provided though there’s no EVF. Neither does it offer headphone out or microphone input.
The HDR-CX115 shares many of the features and specifications of the HDR-CX305 except that it has a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 25x Optical Zoom lens and uses an internal 80GB HDD. It also offers both Memory Card formats.
General features of models in the new Sony HD Handycam range
Entry-level HD models also benefit from SteadyShot Active Mode for up to 10x shake reduction (at wide end of zoom setting) compared with standard SteadyShot.
Improved sensitivity with Exmor R CMOS image sensors
The Exmor R CMOS Sensor is now available in all Sony HD Handycam models, as well as in the Standard Definition flagship product, the DCR-SX73. Its back-illuminated design enables more light to reach photosensitive areas of the device without being obscured by connecting wires within the sensor. This boosts sensitivity compared with sensors that use a conventional front-illuminated structure, and something that users requireing an improved lower-light performance will undoubtedly welcome. This feature is something we’ll certainly check when we review the new products.
New Optical SteadyShot Active Mode is designed to combine optical and electronic stabilisation systems, in order to deliver what Sony assures is the best-ever ‘3-way’ anti-shake performance from wide to telephoto end. With this technology, images are now up to 10x steadier at wide end of zoom settings, we’re told. At the other end of the zoom it’s possible to enjoy up to 2x improved anti-shake performance for clearer, more stable results when shooting on a telephoto setting.
Thanks to the new Quick AF function, Autofocus is claimed to be more accurate and twice as fast compared to previous Handycam camcorders especially when taking advantage of the even faster zooming speeds available on these models.
Highest 24Mbps AVCHD bitrate an option on all HD models
All HD models now support recording at up to 24Mbps, which is the highest bitrate offered by the AVCHD format and an increasingly common option being offered by Canon and JVC. Only Panasonic has yet to offer this option. It’s certainly a valuable addition for serious video-making enthusiasts, although clips recorded at 24Mbps may create problems when it comes to sharing sequences in other media and on other devices.
Ideal for newbies: the Sony HDR-CX115 AVCHD Handycam (Blue option)
Already a feature of Sony Cyber-shot digital stills cameras, Intelligent AUTO (iAUTO) is optimised to remove the guesswork from making camcorder settings manually.
Making its Handycam debut this year, iAUTO combines recognition of Face Detection, your shooting situation (handheld or tripod), and ten different scene types. Based on this information, Handycam automatically optimises shooting parameters to provide improved clarity and image resolution based on up to 90 different scene combinations (60 combinations for 3.1M/1.6M HD model).
Enhanced by a sleek new slim-frame design, the Clear Photo LCD now gives an even better view when you’re framing and reviewing scenes. Pixel count on the 6.7cm screen has been upped to 230k dots (from 210k dots), while the viewing angle is boosted to 170 degrees to give everyone a clearer picture of your shots. The flagship HDR-CX550 and HDR-XR550 models are distinguished by their 8.8cm Xtra Fine LCD screen; this uses the same TruBlack technology that’s incorporated the company’s S-Frame digital photo frames.
Frame-by-frame, slow-motion analysis with Golf Shot
Frame by frame analysis on Sony Handycams
If you’re into golfing and keen to analyse your performance, Sony’s new Golf Shot feature makes it easier than ever to check your swing, frame by frame.
In Golf Shot mode, the Handycam starts capturing a continuous stream of high-speed images while you’re still waiting for the action to start.
At the end of the swing, press the Record button – and the entire sequence is grabbed at a rate of 200 frames per second for smooth slow-motion replay. It’s then possible to display the results both as a slow-motion video as well as a composite image with every frame of movement shown by a series of thumbnail-sized images in a single still picture.
Not forgetting Standard Definition
Although the number of standard definition camcorder options are reducing right across the board as consumers switch to shooting high definition on their AVCHD camcorders or mobile devices, Sony’s new Standard Definition models benefit from a CCD with higher sensitivity that is claimed to improve image quality in low light (perhaps the most important consideration for many users). Multiple Face Detection for video and stills has also been added.
Sony DCR-SX33 Handycam in a choice of three body colours
The DCR-SR58 and DCR-SX33 share many specifications and features with the exception that the SR58 uses an internal 80GB HDD in addition to Memory Cards, whereas the SX33 provides for Memory Card slot only.
They both use 2.3mm (1/8in) CCDs (the only models to do so) with gross pixels resolution of 800,000 providing 340,000 for stills. A 60x Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens is included with Steadyshot being the electronic image stabilisation employed. A Stereo built-in mic is standard as is a 6.7cm colour LCD. It too has Face Detection and Direct Copy, but no Accessory Shoe or Mic in/ Headphone Out connectors.
All entry-level SD models (Flash Memory and HDD) now sport an on-board video light to improve illumination of clips when recording parties, interiors and other dimly-lit scenes.
Copying to external USB Hard Disc Drives via optional adaptor cable
Featured on all HD and SD models, Direct Copy enables users to copy footage directly from any new Sony Handycam to a compatible external hard disk drive for PC-free back-up and archiving. This immensely useful feature enables the user to connect the camcorder to the external hard disc drive (USB 2.0) using the optional Sony VMC-UAM1 USB adaptor cable in order to transfer all or a selection of clips for safekeeping. With the HDD remaining connected to the camcorder – which is, in turn, connected to a suitable TV display, video clips stored on the external HDD can be viewed easily on SD or HD television by using the various playback modes available on the Handycam, such as Map Index (GPS model only), Visual Index, and Highlight Playback
All new Handycam models are compatible with the VRD-MC6 DVD burner and VRDP1 DVDirect Express. At the touch of a button it’s possible to burn Standard Definition or High Definition clips onto affordable DVD media for archiving, sharing or enjoying with friends via Bluray Disc or DVD. The VRD-MC6 will also allow users of tape-based camcorders to transfer old MiniDV or HDV footage from the camcorder straight to DVD in a touch of a button.
Bundled Software
Supplied with all Handycam models is the latest version of PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software. This has been given a new-look user interface which allows users to browse through all video clips (SD or HD) and still images and incorporates a new Calendar view which automatically groups visual assets by date and time. With PMB it’s possible to burn favourites to disc, email them to friends and family, or upload to sharing sites like YouTube.
The simple integration for sharing content on Facebook will also be available as a downloadable update to this software in the Spring 2010. This complements the existing sharing capability with such sites as YouTube and Picasa Web Albums. With the new version, users will have the ability to share photos and videos on Facebook directly from PMB software.
Memory Stick card slot – and SD/SDHC too!
A Slot for Memory Stick PRO Duo as well as SD/SDHC memory cards (sold separately) are offered to suit users’ personal shooting preferences. The addition of SD card slots is a major shift for Sony – how much longer can Memory Stick survive?
Availability
The Spring 2010 Handycam line-up of Flash Memory and HDD camcorders by Sony is available from February 2010.
